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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter and feature writer at The Big Issue. She reports on a wide range of issues across social affairs and culture. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025. She was also a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30, and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
'I probably would have given my son up without help from a baby bank. No one else supported me'
silhouette of a pregnant woman
Homelessness

'I probably would have given my son up without help from a baby bank. No one else supported me'

I had virtually nothing when I became a mum. I needed help from a baby bank to get the essentials
Cost of living

I had virtually nothing when I became a mum. I needed help from a baby bank to get the essentials

Keir Starmer exclusive: 'There's always that challenge of getting good news out there'
Prime minister Keir Starmer
Politics

Keir Starmer exclusive: 'There's always that challenge of getting good news out there'

How Britain failed one million NEET young people: 'We're wasting a generation’s talent'
Young people walking in the street
Youth unemployment

How Britain failed one million NEET young people: 'We're wasting a generation’s talent'

There has been a 60% rise in Big Issue vendors aged 18 to 24 since 2022: 'I wanted to be a lawyer'
22-year-old Big Issue vendor Paula Langa. Image: Exposure Photo Agency
Young people

There has been a 60% rise in Big Issue vendors aged 18 to 24 since 2022: 'I wanted to be a lawyer'

Energy bills to rise as millions struggle with cost of living: 'People are already rationing'
a gas meter
Cost of living

Energy bills to rise as millions struggle with cost of living: 'People are already rationing'

'Give people a chance': Monica Galetti on the restaurant helping people out of homelessness
Monica Galetti is the new executive chef of 130 Primrose.
Food

'Give people a chance': Monica Galetti on the restaurant helping people out of homelessness

Myles Smith: ‘I don't subscribe to traditional gender roles. My mum was the breadwinner growing up’
Exclusive

Myles Smith: ‘I don't subscribe to traditional gender roles. My mum was the breadwinner growing up’

What running with Tinie Tempah taught us about volunteering: 'It's important to give hope'
Tinie Tempah
Music

What running with Tinie Tempah taught us about volunteering: 'It's important to give hope'

Rita Wilson: 'I’m proud I started songwriting in my 50s. There is no clock on creativity'
Letter To My Younger Self

Rita Wilson: 'I’m proud I started songwriting in my 50s. There is no clock on creativity'

Adeel Akhtar: 'If I were prime minister I'd find all the shouting a bit stressful'
Pm for the PM

Adeel Akhtar: 'If I were prime minister I'd find all the shouting a bit stressful'

Masterchef star Monica Galetti joins restaurant staffed by homeless people
Monica Galetti
Food

Masterchef star Monica Galetti joins restaurant staffed by homeless people